I am one of those grumpy parents who thinks that schools should concentrate on the academic side. I was not impressed when one year my DS had in his final school week: trip to pantomime, two school plays, carol concert, special Christmas lunch, all day Christmas party, final afternoon was 'winding' down with a film .

We then moved and the next school just had one party which I thought was fine and the obligatory film on the last afternoon.

Plays to parentsChoir goes carol singing to raise money for charityEvery class goes out for a pantoChristmas dinner one day in place of regular lunchChristmas parties in class Carol service at church Decorating the Christmas treeBook club watches Christmas films

Kindergarten and reception have a trip, kg-yr2 do nativity plays, yr3-yr6 do a carol concert, christmas lunch one day, and christmas fair after school on one day (stalls some of which are thought up and run by yr 5+6, grotto, food etc)

They spend too much time out of class if you ask me but im in a grump because my children were refused 1 day off due to a late night flight home.

So far this term they have had 3 days at another school on an exchange, 2 x christmas parties and Father Christmas (1 paid by the PTFA and 1 by the church), 2 days off for bikeability, 2 days off on local explorations trips etc, 1 day off for pantomime, 1 day off for opening of a new local business and 2 days for a Childline programme, 1 day for Christmas play/performance.

So thats 15 days out of 'education' since September. Yet I cant have 1 day out of education due to the massive disruption it causes catching up with all the work they miss

However, in answer to your question, I think that 1 day out for Pantomime/Father Christmas type visit is perfectly acceptable. Why not suggest it ?

Wow I am seriously impressed with all the organisation that's going on in some schools and imo that shows the drive and enthusiasm of the leaders. Both my Ds are in a church school and I am disappointed in the trips & general effort.

I see a trip to the theatre as education its the arts, a trip out teaches all sorts of behaviours, listening etc. Surely it adds to the excitement of being part of the school for the last few weeks.

There is a lack lustre PTA which I did (and others participate in) but I could not handle them as too set in their ways but that's another story.

Our school has a nativity for infants and a party on the last day. Church also. There is also a fete after school.

I'm not sure how I'm supposed to approach this I seem to be bringing up all sorts of ideas but none of them taken up, surely I cant be the only one giving ideas, offering help, contact numbers for people who want to come in and do presentations.....just fed up!

My son's school do a few bits which is paid for out of the voluntary donations.

Class Christmas parties with a visit from Father Christmas. (parents have to pack their child a party snack and drink)A visit from a party entertainer/magician to assembly.Christmas show/nativity for the foundation stage.Carol concert for KS1.Christmas films.Christmas dinner for those on school lunches. No trips though, but plenty the rest of the school year.

Maybe you could organise a panto trip with parents as part of a PTA fundraiser? Take advantage of a group booking discount price, and add on a £1 per ticket for the PTA? I don't see the point of a school run one if they are doing trips at other times.

I'd say a nativity, a Church service and a Christmas Party is a nice balance.At one point my dcs Juniors started trying to take everyone to the Panto but they stopped as a considerable number of parents pointed out that they were already going as a family / with the Scout Group / Grandparents were taking them, and they really didn't have the money to do it twice.

Our Infants do 3 performances of their nativity for parents. The rest of the school come to watch the dress rehearsal. We have a trip to the panto in the last week. There is also a class party and the talent show in the last week. I job share and on my 3rd last afternoon I am giving my class a movie afternoon (squash, popcorn, biscuits and a seasonal film) as a thank you for working so hard in the last 2 terms. Parents pay £8 including coach for panto, £2.50 for the party and £1 for nativity tickets. I will pay for the movie afternoon.